Dear Jacqueline, Thanks for positioning these five precepts. I understand they are Buddhist guidelines. Zen forms part of Buddhism, so the link with Zen becomes visible.
But doesn't Zen emphasize other aspects, like focussing on what we do, even the simplest things? In that respect, are the five percepts essential for Zen? I mean, Zen puts the emphasise on other aspects. Let me ask a question to the group: can one practise Zen and not follow the five percepts? And, Jacqueline, I do agree with you that following these five precepts would be very difficult. I wish you all the strength! Eugene --- In [email protected], "Jacqueline" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Dear Eugene, > > I am replying to this post, because I wrote about trying to follow > the basic five precepts awhile back. The precepts were given as > guidelines to follow both for those in the monestary, and for lay > followers of the Buddhist path. If you vow to live your life > according to these rules, you will be able to take other steps > towards ending suffering in your life and the lives of others. > > They are somewhat the same as other faiths, but much more in depth. > Do you think you can keep even just one for a day ? So far I have > not been able to, but I am more aware each time I am not paying > attention to my thoughts, words, actions. > > Yes, the precepts are part of Zen Buddhism and all other branches. > I am still new to learning The Dharma, I hope this answered your > question correctly. > > Sincerely, > Jacqueline > > If my reply to you is incorrect I apologize, other posters will > let you/me know. > > --- In [email protected], "Eugene" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > What have these Five Precepts to do with Zen? Nothing, I think. > > > > It seem to be coming from Buddhism, although I have known someone > > who lived by these rules because of his religion... and was a > > Christian, with a Protestant religion. Possibly every religion has > a > > fundamentalistic branch teaching rules of living like these. > > > > Can the poster or someone else please explain if I miss something > > and this is part of Zen? Thanks. > > > > Eugene > > > > > > --- In [email protected], "amazing63" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > wrote: > > > The Five Precepts (1) > > > > > > Whoever destroys living beings, speaks false words, who in the > > world takes that which is not given to him, or goes too with > > another's wife, or takes distilled, fermented drinks -- > > > whatever man indulges thus extirpates the roots of himself even > > here in this very world. > > > ~ Dhammapada. 246-7~ ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Would you Help a Child in need? It is easier than you think. Click Here to meet a Child you can help. http://us.click.yahoo.com/sTR6_D/I_qJAA/i1hLAA/S27xlB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Current Book Discussion: Appreciate Your Life by Taizan Maezumi Roshi Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ZenForum/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
